Iran allows passage for Philippines-bound ships through HormuzMANILA, Philippines — Iran has assured the Philippines that its vessels and seafarers will be allowed safe and unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz — a breakthrough that Manila hopes will ease its deepening energy crisis triggered by the month-long blockade of the waterway. Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro secured the commitment in a phone call Thursday, April 2, with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Tehran pledged to allow Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments, and all Filipino seafarers to transit the strait without obstruction. "These assurances from Iran will greatly facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines," the DFA said. On March 26, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi announced that ships from China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan would be allowed through the strait.

Source: Philippine Star April 02, 2026 09:04 UTC